Lewin of Greenwich Naval History & Forum

HMS Dolphin was the home of the Royal Navy submarine Service and was located at Gosport in Hampshire. It was built around the old Fort Blockhouse fortifications at the entrance to Portsmouth harbour. It took its name from the 1882 depot ship of that name, which was later replaced by HMS Pandora which also changed its name to HMS Dolphin, they were berthed alongside Fort Blockhouse between 1904 and 1923.
A Submarine Escape Training Tower (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Submarine ... g_facility) was built on the site and had a height of 100 feet (30m), it was used to simulate escape from submerged submarines. Due to the modern design of submarines the Royal Navy discontinued pressurised submarine escape training in 2009.
The shore base closed in 1998 and submarine training was transferred to HMS Raleigh at Torpoint in Cornwall.
The site is now the home of the Royal Navy Submarine Museum.

An aerial view of the HMS Dolphin site at Fort Blockhouse

HMS DOLPHIN IN THE 1980s

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

WRENS at HMS Dolphin
At the submarine base of HMS Dolphin, Women's Royal Naval Service (Wrens) shattered stereotypes and took on diverse roles during the Second World War.
To release men for sea duty, Wrens at HMS Dolphin assumed various shore-based jobs traditionally held by men. From cooks and stewards to writers, wireless operators, telegraphists and bookkeepers, these women played a crucial part in supporting naval operations.
While active service was initially off-limits to women, by the war's end, a staggering 74,000 women were serving in the Royal Navy, undertaking roles previously reserved for men. This marked a significant shift, showcasing the adaptability and competence of women in diverse professional spheres.
Wrens at HMS Dolphin were not confined to traditional roles; they were given more active responsibilities and underwent training as welders and carpenters. Engaging in maintenance and repair work, they were integral to loading torpedoes onto submarines and contributed to the training of submarine officers as Attack Teachers.
From undertaking shore-based duties to actively participating in submarine operations, the women at HMS Dolphin played a vital role in shaping naval history. The lifting of the submarine ban in 2011 exemplify the ongoing evolution of gender roles in the armed forces. As we reflect on their journey, it's essential to celebrate the pioneers who paved the way for greater gender equality in the military.

Wrens undertaking maintenance in the torpedo workshop at HMS Dolphin, 1943